Monday, December 22, 2014

And a star led them

In the couple of weeks before Christmas, a number of events
worth noting have occurred:

After an exchange of
prisoners, facilitated by Pope Francis, President Obama decided to
recognize the government of Cuba, changing a policy of non-recognition
that dates back to the Cuban revolution. This move predictably angered
conservatives, but recognizes that non-recognition has failed to advance
US interests and to undermine the Castro regime.

In the aftermath of
hackers accessing Sony's corporate files and emails, which led to an
unsubstantiated threat of violence against persons who dared to attend the
soon to be released film, "Interview," many major theater chains
have declined to show the film. Their refusal to show the film represents
an unabashed act of cowardice, caving to a threat that is tantamount to
censorship. An essential antidote to terror threats is courageous
resilience on the part of those threatened, demonstrated by bravely persevering
with one's life. Conversely, by acquiescing to the threat, the theater
chains cede victory to the terrorists and invite similar threats in the
future.

The Episcopal Church has
released a report on its proposed restructuring and the Church of England
has nominated its first woman bishop (she will be consecrated January 26,
2015).

Now, you may be wondering, what do these events have to do
with the gospel narratives of Jesus' birth?

First, the gospel narrative moves the story of God's loving
acts on earth forward, adding a new chapter that emphasizes God's presence in
humanity. A modern analogue of that emphasis is evident in two nation states,
separated by only 90 miles of ocean, once again taking steps to cultivate a positive,
healthy relationship.

Second, the gospel narrative is a story of an uncertain,
hazardous existence in which the protagonists persevere. For example, Herod not
only threatened to kill the baby Jesus but also actually attempted to do so,
prompting Mary, Joseph, and Jesus to flee to Egypt.

Third, whatever the actual events of Jesus' birth, it almost
certainly went unnoticed. The Episcopal Church needs to simplify its
governance, investing more time and energy in mission and less in internal
matters. The Church of England should have consecrated its first woman bishop
decades (centuries?) ago. Yet few people, other than Anglicans, will care about
either change. God's actions in our midst rarely if ever attract the global
media spotlight.

This Christmas, when I see stars in the sky or as part of
holiday decorations, I remember with thankfulness that God is at work in our uncertain,
unsafe world, in ways that most often go unnoticed and pray that I, like the
shepherds, may see and rejoice.